Childminder in Leicester

Inspection report for early years provision

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260320 Unique Reference Number 21 August 2007 Inspection date Lynn Dent Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2001. She lives with her husband, her daughter aged 15 years and an adult son in Leicester. Most of the childminder's house is used for childminding and there is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of six children at any one time and is currently minding two children under five all day, and two children over five before and after school. The childminder walks to local schools to take and collect children. She takes children to the park. The family has two pet dogs. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is satisfactory. Children have regular opportunities to play in the garden and the local park. During this time they use a range of play equipment and participate in ball games. These activities help to promote their physical development. When playing in the home children show an awareness

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 of space as they push prams for dolls around the room. They use jigsaws, build with duplo and participate in craft activities to develop their hand-eye coordination. Children can rest or sleep during the day, ensuring their care routines is consistent with home.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children have a good understanding of why they need to maintain good hygiene. They know they use soap to wash away germs. The childminder has two pet dogs. Children have some contact with the pets. Documentation shows that pets are regularly inoculated and wormed. Consequently, this helps to protect children health. Children receive appropriate care following accidents. Parents are kept informed of any first aid their children receive because the childminder shares the accident record with them. Children are protected from the risk of infections as the childminder does not provide care for children who are ill. This is shown as the childminder explains that she does not care for children with impetigo and on the day of inspection some children do not attend as they have diahorrea.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children understand about healthy eating. They explain that crisps may not be the best food for them to eat. They enjoy snacks and meals which include fresh fruit and vegetables. Children show a preference for their favourite foods, for example, chicken, mashed potato and peas. The childminder works with parents who provide some meals. Consequently, their meals are appropriate. Children's individual dietary needs and cultural requirements are met as this information is collected from parents and detailed in the children's records. For example, the childminder does not serve beef in accordance with wishes of parents. The childminder believes that fizzy drinks are not appropriate. Therefore, children have access to a range of low sugar juice and water throughout the day. Consequently, they do not become thirsty.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is satisfactory. Children understand the rules which keep them safe. For example, they know not to jump on the furniture or touch anything that is electrical. The emergency evacuation procedure is discussed with the children. However this had not been practised. Therefore, it is unclear if this is effective in practice. Exterior doors are kept locked. As a result children cannot leave the premises unsupervised. Children are protected from those who may pose a risk to their welfare because the childminder checks the identification of unknown visitors.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children safety is maintained during outings. This means they know they must look before crossing the road and always hold the childminder's hand or the buggy. At the park they are protected from potential accidents because the childminder supervises them at all times and ensures they do not go near swings which are in use. The childminder has completed training in child protection. As a result she understands the signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect and how to record such information. The childminder can clearly explain how to report concerns in accordance with the Local Safeguarding Children Board reporting procedures.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are cared for in a warm and generally safe environment. Most risks are identified and appropriate action taken to minimise accidents and injury. For example, low-level cupboards are kept locked, sharp knives are stored out of the reach of the children and most plug sockets are covered. However, children can access spades and rakes when playing in the garden. Consequently, these pose a potential hazard. Therefore, their safety is not fully protected. Children move freely around the lounge independently selecting toys and equipment which are in good condition and comply with safety standards.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The childminder takes an active interest in what children are doing. As a result they listen and respond to the childminder's ideas and engage in a range of activities and play experiences. The childminder does not currently use the 'Birth to three matters' framework. Therefore, the outcomes for children in this age group may not be fully enhanced although, the childminder provides a range of experiences that meet their developmental needs. For example, children are playing with Duplo, the childminder encourages them to think about the shape of the house they are building and how to interlock the bricks. As a result the children are learning a range of skills through play.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder provides a caring and interesting environment. Consequently, children are settled and enjoy themselves. Children participate in adult-led play and are confident to develop their own ideas, independently accessing toys and resources to support this. The children's individual needs are met because the childminder knows the children well. Children explain that they enjoy drawing and playing games with their friends. During this time the childminder helps them to develop turn taking and social interaction. The childminder uses outings and everyday events to dis what they see. Therefore, children develop an interest in their environment. All children have the opportunity to participate in a range of activities, for example, painting, drawing and baking. Consequently, they remain interested and keen to play.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children develop a sense of security because the childminder provides a caring atmosphere and ensures that children receive cuddles. All children are involved in gender free play. As a result they develop a range of skills and take on different roles. Children make decisions throughout the day about what to do, eat and drink. Therefore, they develop the ability to make choices. The childminder clearly explains how she adapts the premises and experiences to ensure that all children are included. Consequently, they all have equal opportunities to participate in the activities provided. All children play a part in the setting. This means that they help to tidy aware, which results in maintaining a safe environment. Children learn about the wider world in which they live through discussions and visits within the local community.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children show good behaviour. They have a clear understanding of the rules within the home and respond well to these. For example, they do not touch anything that is electrical or climb on furniture. Good behaviour is promoted through praise, smiles and interaction from the childminder. Consequently, children have good self-esteem. Consistent, developmentally appropriate strategies are used to help children to self-manage unacceptable behaviour. For example, quiet times are used to discuss why certain behaviour is not acceptable. These techniques are shared with parents and help them to understand why the childminder does not use a naughty step to manage their children's behaviour. The childminder fosters good relationships with parents to ensure that she provides appropriate care. Therefore, consistent care is promoted. Daily discussions enable relevant information about the children to be shared.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This means that parents are kept informed of their children’s day and achievements.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Organisation

The organisation is satisfactory. Overall the children's needs are met. The childminder's organises time, space and resources well. Consequently, children can participate in active pay, role play, games and messy activities. They have space to play alone and with their friends. Suitable provision is made to ensure that children can rest. Children feel secure and develop a sense of belonging. Consequently, they are able and often initiate their own play and willingly participating in adult-led activities.

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Organisation

The childminder has completed some relevant training since the last inspection. For example, child protection. However, she has not updated her training in first aid. Consequently, she may not be fully aware of the latest initiatives although, she has an understanding of first aid procedures from prior training. The childminder does not use a car when minding children. However, she does use public transport. There is currently no written consent to transport children in a vehicle although, parents give verbal consent. Documentation and records about the children are in place and detailed. These are stored to maintain confidentiality, yet easily accessible to support the care of the children.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder agreed to ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. To ensure there is a suitable range of toys and equipment to suit the varying needs of all children. To improve her knowledge and understanding of child protection procedures. The childminder has taken the appropriate action to meet the recommendations. New toys and resources have been purchased and the childminder has completed training in child protection. Therefore, children can participate in activities that promote their understanding and respect for others in society. Children's play is supported by a range of developmentally appropriate resources. Their welfare is protected because the childminder has an awareness of child protection procedures.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National standards. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are satisfactory. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s):

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 • make hazards in the garden safe or inaccessible to children • practice the emergency evacuation procedure • improve the outcomes for children by using an approach in line with the ‘Birth to three matters’ framework • complete a recognised first aid course • obtain written consent from parents to transport children in a vehicle.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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